Q. Can you really buy a home with "no money down"?

A. Yes... and No. Let me 'esplain - no, there is too much, let me sum up.

There are several loan programs that allow a buyer to purchase a home without making a down-payment. But that doesn’t mean it won’t cost money. It just means none of the money you pay will go toward the house note. Here are the places/times when you can expect to pull out the checkbook

• When you make an offer you will need Earnest Money. This amount varies, but expect 1%. So for $200k home, you’ll need to write a check for $2,000. This money may come back to you at closing, but most likely will go to cover some of the items listed below.

• Inspections - $250 - $750

• Appraisal - $350 - $600

• Homeowners Insurance

• Lender Fees

• Prorated Taxes

• Government "because they can" fees

I go over these in detail during my buyer brokerage appointments. Any agent, in any state, should be able to explain how much money you will need to buy a home and when.